Ground beef is a staple in many households and is a great option for busy weeknights because it cooks quickly and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. In this recipe, the beef is seasoned with a blend of spices commonly used in Mexican cuisine, including chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. The addition of onion and garlic to the beef mixture helps to build depth of flavor and creates a delicious filling for your tacos.
Serving and preparation time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Serving size: 8-10 tacos (serving size may vary depending on the size of the tortillas and amount of filling used)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.)
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla and add your desired toppings.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Garnishing ideas
Here are some garnishing ideas for your homemade ground beef tacos:
- Shredded lettuce
- Grated cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapenos or red onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
You can also add additional spices or seasonings to the beef mixture for added flavor, such as diced bell peppers or a can of diced green chilies. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!
In conclusion, Ground beef tacos are a classic and versatile meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. This recipe provides a simple and delicious base for your tacos, but feel free to get creative and add in any additional ingredients or seasonings that you enjoy.
Ground beef tacos are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They are also a great option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd, as the filling can be made in advance and reheated as needed. Enjoy your homemade ground beef tacos with your favorite toppings and a cold beverage for a satisfying and delicious meal!